"We OWE it to our kids"
OPPORTUNITY WITH EDUCATION (Middle & High School Grade Level Teens)
Opportunity with Education sessions are currently on hiatus. Please follow our social media for up to date information.
Opportunity with Education (O.W.E.) was created to provide education and mentoring for youth through positive interactions with police officers, educators, prosecutors, and other professionals—rather than the negative influences of criminal culture. This is not a boot camp or “scared straight” program. Instead, O.W.E. is designed to positively redirect at-risk youth ages 12–17 (middle and high school students) through lectures, guest speakers, field trips, physical fitness, and close-order drill exercises. Throughout the program, participants will learn about choices and consequences, while building self-esteem, leadership skills, and positive social behaviors. The goal is to break cycles of criminal behavior and encourage each participant toward a path of success.
O.W.E. is held at California Baptist University on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00/12:30 p.m. (with occasional exceptions) for 10 consecutive weeks. The program is offered twice a year: September through November and February through April, with applications accepted year-round. Participation is free for families, and residency in Riverside is not required to apply.
WHAT DOES THE PARENT PARTICIPATION MEAN? For the program to be effective, parent or guardian involvement is mandatory. Youth will not be accepted unless their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) commit to attending each week. Parents are required to participate every Saturday alongside their child, and in cases of separation or divorce, both parents are encouraged to attend for the benefit of their child—unless restricted by custody or legal orders.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL SATURDAY LOOK LIKE? A typical Saturday begins with all participating parents and teens arriving at California Baptist University’s Mission Hall by 8:00 a.m.
- 8:00 – 9:15 a.m.: Parent group counseling sessions
- 8:00 – 8:30 a.m.: Teen drill exercises outside (weather permitting)
- 8:30 – 9:15 a.m.: Teen group counseling sessions
- 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.: Educational presentations covering topics such as juvenile law, drug and alcohol awareness, internet safety, social media, teen dating, and sex trafficking
- 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Teen physical fitness and team-building activities (or guest speakers for teens and parents when fitness is not scheduled)
- 12:00 – 12:30 p.m.: Dismissal for parents and teens
A detailed curriculum and schedule will be provided to all enrolled families on the first day. Some Saturdays may include special field trips, such as a visit to P-Town Boxing in Perris where teens enjoy a pizza lunch and take part in physical fitness, or a trip to Yorba Linda or Long Beach to participate in leadership, problem-solving, and team-building activities with S.O.A.R. (soarteam.net). S.O.A.R. helps teens grow and realize their full potential by supporting personal, team, and leadership development, while fostering a strong community where they can learn to become their best selves.
WHAT IS THE PARENT AND TEEN GROUP COUNSELING? Our dedicated counseling team comes from Life Source Solutions in Riverside (AffordableCounselingServices.org). They are an outstanding group of professionals who work closely with our teens and parents each Saturday morning in group sessions, helping families navigate challenges while providing valuable tools for long-term success.
For more information, please email [email protected] or leave a message at (951) 826-5959.